Other Information

Heritage Trail

Welcome to Holy Island – a part of Anglesey steeped in centuries of human history and rich in wildlife and natural beauty. A place of wild heather-clad hill tops, towering sea cliffs, rare sea bird colonies, unspoilt green countryside and ancient buildings and monuments.

Take time to explore Holyhead's heritage and you will discover a long and fascinating history filled with stories of fortune and tragedy; of saints, soldiers and smugglers; of courageous sea rescues and of literary legends and ingenious engineers. So why not exercise your legs and your imagination as you explore this bustling port town?

Take a walk on the wild side

A great way to explore Holy Island is on foot and by using public transport. Within a few minutes you could be walking the Isle of Anglesey Coastal Path, enjoying stunning panoramic views, visiting ancient monuments and witnessing the colourful and noisy drama of sea bird colonies.

The Heritage Trail

1. Holyhead Mountain

Although it only stands at 220 metres (720 ft), Holyhead Mountain is Anglesey's highest point. From its heather-clad summit there are spectacular views of Holyhead and towards Snowdonia, the Ll?n Peninsula and the Great Orme. On a clear day you can also see the Isle of Man and Ireland.

2. Breakwater Country Park

This former quarry (created during the construction of Holyhead's Breakwater) is now a wildlife haven and a great place to begin exploring Holyhead Mountain and Rocky Coast. There is a small information centre and shop too. Tel: 01407 760530

3. Trefignath Burial Chamber

A series of three chambers used over a period of 1,500 years. The earliest may have been raised around 3750 BC on the site of a Neolithic (New Stone Age) settlement

4. Hill fort

There is a huge Iron Age hill fort at the summit of Holyhead Mountain, within which stands the ruin of a fourth century Roman watchtower.

5. Tŷ Mawr Hut Circles

Tŷ Mawr Hut Circles Lying amongst bracken and heather are the remains of a settlement dating back to the Neolithic period (late Stone Age). Several interesting archaeological finds have been unearthed here, including hammers, whetstones, coins and pottery. People lived here more or less continuously between 200 BC and 500 AD.

6. South Stack

Whether it's the dramatic setting of the 19th century lighthouse and suspension bridge at the foot of 60 metre (200 ft) cliffs or the fragrance and colour of the coastal heath and spectacle of thousands of nesting sea birds perched perilously on cliff ledges – you are bound to find something to delight when you visit. Guided walks organised by the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) set off from the nature reserve visitor centre at Elin's Tower throughout the summer. For details contact: 01407 764973.

7. Coastal Park

The sheltered flats of Beddmanarch Bay attract wildfowl, seabirds and waders. Enjoy a picnic in woodland glades nearby and a stroll around one of the clearly marked nature trails. Tel: 01407 763333. You can also visit the Toll House Café. Tel: 01407 760247.

8. Penrhosfeilw

According to local tradition these impressive 3m (10ft) tall Bronze Age standing stones were once at the centre of a stone circle.